Google to help develop OpenOffice

Google has confirmed that it is working on improving the OpenOffice productivity suite. Although the search engine has previously denied that it plans to develop the software, the news will cause ripples of concern around Redmond that is already beginning to view OpenOffice as a challenger in key government and academic organisations. Speaking to US industry news service News. ...more

Tesco trials ID tags

Tesco is to trial the use of Radio Frequency (RF) ID tags on Gillette Mach3 razor blades. The unique RFID tags on each pack will be read by a 'shelf reader', allowing staff to tell instantly how many packets are on each shelf, whether they are on the right shelf, when they go out of date and when they need to be restocked. Brand-name razor blades are a popular target for thieves, according to Tesco, and equipping packs with RFID tags will allow stores to track the movement of packs and activate alarm bells if a pack leaves the store without being paid for. ...more

BT brings Fusion to businesses

BT is offering its hybrid Wi-Fi/GSM phone service to business customers for the first time. BT Fusion Wi-Fi for business allows customers to make inexpensive VoIP calls when they're within range of a Wi-Fi connection (either a public hotspot or in their own office), reverting to normal GSM mobile calls when out of Wi-Fi range. BT has been offering Fusion to its home customers for over a year, but says it's now time for SMEs to benefit from the service. ...more

DVD format showdown at PC Expo

The recent PC Expo computer trade show in New York has been the battleground between three different recordable DVD formats. Top electronics companies Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Philips, Sony, Ricoh and Yamaha are all lining up to add their support to the DVD+RW format while Panasonic plans to roll out its DVD-RAM home entertainment system in October. Hitachi, JVC, Toshiba, Samsung and Hitachi are all supporting this format. ...more

UK games chart: Tiberium Wars command and conquer

Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars has deposed Resistance: Fall of Man from the top of this week's ELSPA UK Games Chart. EA's real time strategy game - set in the Tiberium Universe, featuring the Brotherhood of Nod's attack on habitable Blue Zones - runs on the Xb360 and PC. You can find a demo of the game here. ...more